Really understand non-defining relative clauses

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   • How to use who, that, and which in Definin...  

Welcome, students! Non-defining relative clauses are powerful tools in the English language which add depth and detail to our sentences. By the end of this lesson, you will not only understand how to construct non-defining relative clauses but also master the use of commas and various relative pronouns – "who," "whom," "which," and "whose."
So, what exactly is a non-defining relative clause? We can think of it as the extra piece of information that can be removed by the reader without altering the overall meaning of a sentence. Unlike defining relative clauses, which are important to the meaning of the sentence, non-defining relative clauses provide additional, non-essential details.
Let's start with the basics: Commas. In non-defining relative clauses, commas play a crucial role. They signal the beginning and end of the extra information. Without the commas, the sentence would lose its clarity, and the non-defining relative clause would appear to be an ordinary part of the sentence. This extra information can usually be removed and the sentence will still make sense.
What are our relative pronouns?
1. Who: Used for people.
• Example: My friend, who is an excellent artist, painted a beautiful portrait.
2. Whom: Also used for people but in a more formal context and as an object pronoun.
• Example: The writer, whom I greatly admire, will be giving a lecture tomorrow.
3. Which: Used for animals and things.
• Example: I adopted a dog, which had been abandoned in the park.
4. Whose: Indicates possession, used for both people and things.
• Example: The student, whose project won first place, was awarded a scholarship.
I will also explain why we should avoid using ‘what’ in relative clauses.
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